Mackays to Peka Peka

Project introduction

An 18km four-lane expressway that takes State Highway 1 along the Kāpiti Coast, and is the first of the Wellington Northern Corridor projects completed. It separates local and highway traffic and aims for safer and shorter trips to and through the Kāpiti Coast - with local and national benefits.

Estimated project cost

$630 million

Project type

Roads of National Significance

Project status

Completed

Related project information

Below you can find out more about how to use the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway, as well as more information about the M2PP application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPS) and a full list of our resources.

Purpose

The Expressway delivers a key section of the Wellington Northern Corridor, a long needed upgrade of State Highway 1 north of Wellington. This highway is a critical link to the lower North Island and key regional destinations because the existing highway (soon to become a local road) does not serve its users well. It has a poor safety record, is vulnerable to closures by storms and crashes, and drivers are often caught up in nose-to-tail traffic.

The upgrade was required to provide safe, efficient and reliable access to and from New Zealand’s capital and third-largest city. It was also needed to support expected residential and business growth throughout the Wellington region.

Benefits

Reduced congestion on local roads as traffic is transferred to the Expressway.

Shorter and more reliable travel times for Expressway traffic by avoiding urban traffic lights and speed limits.